May 2018

We’ve had major changes for Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue with personnel movement in the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office SAR leadership since the last newsletter. With the retirement of Sergeant Danny Wikstrom and the career move of Sergeant Scot Fenter, Sergeant John Adams will be picking up the reins. These changes were the first in a very long time and brought out a variety of emotions. As with any change in circumstances, our SAR volunteers masterfully reviewed the situation, addressed any concerns, and became resolute in our support of the decisions these fine men made. Amidst all of the change and recognition of service, there was a lingering feeling of loss that was so eloquently addressed by Mike Loney, one of our senior and very sage members. As many members were lamenting loss, Mike spoke of how we are to carry on by recognizing what has been given to us by the experiences we’ve had, the support we’ve been provided, the friendship, and the camaraderie. I invite you to read Mike’s tribute and to remember that you, our public support, are also a big part of what makes Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue what it is. Each time you […]

Sgt. John Q. Adams has been with the Snohomish County Sheriff since he left the U.S. Marine Corps in 1996. John served 10 years as a patrol deputy in South Snohomish County and was promoted to Master Patrol Deputy while there. He has served in Property Crimes, as a member of SWAT and as a Dive Team member. He is also a member of Everett Mountain Rescue. John has a strong interest in the wilderness of Snohomish County and began preparing to apply for the SAR Sargent position before it was open. He went on a few missions to get to know how SAR operated, learn policies and be ready when the job opened. This year our SAR Sargent for the last 22+ years, Sgt. Danny Wikstrom, retired. Sgt. Adams was ready and applied for the position. He received his appointment to SAR Sargent in February and is ready just in time for the 2018 rescue season. We look forward to working with Sgt. Adams!

  Since our founding more than 50 years ago, the generosity of donors has allowed us to continue our mission to bring home the lost and missing. Donations to SCVSAR are made for many reasons. Maybe it’s because we’ve rescued a love one stranded on a mountain; you find the work we do to be worth supporting; or you are looking for a way to make a difference. Perhaps you’ve thought about making a charitable gift to us but you aren’t able to afford it right now. Virtually everyone has the power to give a gift larger than he or she ever dreamed possible. A bequest can be made through a will or trust. Or, it can simply be made by listing SCVSAR as a beneficiary of a bank account, IRA, life insurance policy, company retirement plan, pension, annuity or other instrument that allows you to designate funds to a beneficiary. Leaving a bequest through your will or trust is easy using simple language as follows (always check with your attorney to be sure that you have the appropriate legal advice): “I give X dollars or X percent or all of the residue of my estate to Snohomish County Volunteer […]

On March 24, 2018, several hundred friends and colleagues came together to honor and recognize Sgt. Danny Wikstrom and his many years of service to our community. Here is just some of his story, along with a very moving tribute from a long-time search and rescue volunteer. Danny was raised in Sequim, WA and he joined the Sheriff Explorers there at age 14. At 18 years of age he became a dispatcher and reserve police officer with the Sequim Police Dept. One day his friend and fellow officer said he was going to take the exam to apply to the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office for work. He said Danny should come along and apply as well. Danny asked, “Where is Snohomish County?” His friend said near Everett. Then Danny asked, “Where is Everett?” and his friend said near Seattle. Off they both went to take the exam, and both were hired. Now 35 years later Danny is retiring from law enforcement, with about 21+ of those years spent with Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue. It would take a book to tell you about Danny’s career with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office. We will take editorial license and condense it. […]